How to Sell Your Home

April 3, 2024  |  Homebuilding, Market Info, Real Estate

As homebuilders, we often talk about what it takes to purchase a new home. But what if you need to sell your home? Maybe you’re selling because of a job change. Maybe you’re selling because you need more room, or less room. And maybe you’re selling because it’s simply time for a new home. Whatever your reasons, Spring is an excellent time to list your home.

Spring is the best time to sell

What’s so special about Spring? First off, everything looks better in the spring. The weather’s warming up, flowers are blooming, and the whole world feels fresh and alive. Likewise, your home is going to look its absolute best too. Spring is when buyers come out of hibernation and start house hunting. Families start thinking about moving so they can settle into their new home before the next school year starts. During spring the days are longer offering more daylight hours for showing off your home’s best features. Natural light can make a huge difference in how a space feels, so take advantage of those sunny days.

Preparing your home to sell

Remember the old adage, first impressions matter? It’s true. Get it ready to impress potential buyers.

First things first, declutter. It can be a bit daunting, but it’s worth it. Clear out closets, tidy up shelves, and clear surfaces. Depending on your home storage capability, consider renting a storage unit for any extra stuff you want to keep but don’t need right now. You’re creating a clean and spacious vibe that lets buyers imagine themselves living there.

Next up, give your home a good deep clean. That means scrubbing every nook and cranny, from the baseboards to the ceiling fans. A spotless home not only looks amazing but also tells buyers that you’ve taken great care of the place.

Handle all the little repairs you’ve been putting off. You want to have as few red flags as possible for buyers. Fresh paint where needed can be a dramatic lift. Small fixes can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.

Put thought into your curb appeal. Tidy up your front yard, mow grass and trim untended shrubs and plants. Add colorful flowers to make your home look welcoming from the moment buyers pull up.

Inside, create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Rearrange furniture if necessary, to make the space feel open and inviting. Remember to depersonalize your home – remove family photos and family trinkets.

After putting in elbow grease and dollars into prepping your home to be it’s best, make sure you get good photos for your home’s “for sale” listing. Good lighting and a clutter-free environment can make all the difference. Consider bringing in a professional photographer to capture your home in its best light.

Realtor/Sell it yourself Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Experienced realtors are like the superheroes of the real estate world. They know the market inside and out and can guide you through the whole selling process with ease. They’ll do a market analysis to assist you in getting the maximum price for your home.
2. These folks have all the tricks up their sleeves to get your home noticed. They utilize the power of the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) they know how to make your home shine in front of potential buyers.
3. Selling a home is no small feat, but with a realtor by your side, you can focus on other things while they handle all the nitty-gritty details.
4. Realtors are a protective layer. Selling is an emotional process and it’s easy to slip up and say something you shouldn’t to a prospective buyer. Let the realtor do the talking.

Cons:

1. Hiring a realtor means paying a commission. You’re paying for their expertise, negotiating and marketing skills, among other things. Fees are negotiable.
2. When you hand over the reins to a realtor, you’re trusting them to do what’s best for your home. It is important to find someone reputable that you trust.

Selling it Yourself (FSBO – For Sale By Owner):

Pros:

1. Selling your home yourself means you’re the boss. You set the price, call the shots, and keep all the profits.
2. Skipping the realtor’s commission means more money in your pocket. Who doesn’t love saving a little dough, right?
3. Selling your home solo is like a crash course in real estate 101. You’ll learn a ton along the way, which can be super valuable for future home-selling adventures.

Cons:

1. Selling a home is no walk in the park, especially when you’re doing it all yourself. Be prepared to invest some serious time and effort into the process.
2. Without a realtor’s marketing tools, market knowledge and connections, getting your home in front of buyers can be a bit trickier. You’ll need to get creative to drum up interest.
3. The real estate world can be a maze of rules and regulations. Selling your home without a realtor means you’ll need to do your homework to avoid any legal snafus.

Selling your home takes work but if done properly, can provide a great financial return allowing you to invest in a new home, or enhance your life in other ways. If you’re looking for a new home, we encourage you to visit HolidayBuilders.com to see our award-winning floorplans and outstanding communities.

This post was written by Tina Suiter.